CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Sen. Joe Manchin has stepped down as an honorary co-chair of the bipartisan No Labels group.
The West Virginia Democrat has been upset that the group supported the Republican challenger, Congressman Cory Gardner, in the Colorado Senate race. Manchin had backed Democratic Sen. Mark Udall in the contest. Manchin says the group did not communicate their plans to him beforehand.
Manchin says he stepped down because he cannot be involved in the day-to-day decision making of the organization as a sitting senator.
He added he will still work with the group and supports its goals.
The group began after the 2010 midterm elections, which gave rise to the anti-establishment tea party. Its goal is to bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.
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